Muhlenbergia expansa Play pronunciation

Savannah hairgrass, or cutover muhly, is a native, warm-season perennial grass found primarily in the coastal regions of the southeastern United States and eastern Texas, in bogs, flatwoods, and other wet sites with acidic sandy soil. Cattle, sheep, and other herbivores graze this plant. It grows in dense clumps and is 1 to 3 feet tall, sometimes up to 5 feet, and 1 to 3 feet wide. The green leaf blades are wiry and narrow, up to 12 to 14 inches long, and have a rounded sheath. Panicles of purplish-brownish-copper flowered seedheads, measuring 14 to 20 inches long, bloom from August to October. The seed stalks can persist through the winter and into early spring. The genus Muhlenbergia is named in honor of an amateur botanist and Lutheran minister from Pennsylvania, Gotthif Henry Muhlenberg. The specific epithet expansa is Latin and means "spread out."

Prefers full sun to partial sun and moist to wet, well-drained sandy, loamy, acidic soils. This grass tends to thrive in warm and humid coastal climates and may be controlled by fire or grazing. The flower seedheads attract butterflies and birds.

Distinguishing features include fibrous old leaf bases, ligules measuring 1 to 3 mm long, and fragile panicles that break over winter.

Use this plant in native coastal gardens in wet to boggy sites. It is unclear if Savannah hairgrass is available commercially. Consider a reputable native plant source.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Most muhly grasses typically have no significant insect pest or disease problems. Monitor for mealybugs.